During WWII the US government embarked on a secret project to counter the weapons development that was already underway in Nazi Germany for an atomic bomb. This project (called the Manhattan Project) was deemed important to the long term survivability of our nation and our way of life (rightly so, I might add). Multiple universities, government laboratories and private sector businesses participated on pieces of the project, not knowing how it all came together. It worked. It not only created a weapon, but the offshoot of new technologies that came from the project helped fuel the post-war economy for decades.
It is time to do the same but in the category of “alternative energy”. This would not only be for the creation of the energy, but new technologies to utilize the new sources. The goal would be to limit our dependence on fossil fuels (especially since we import so much). The side benefits would cover environmental issues, terrorism source of funds, global wealth creation, as well as the formation of an entirely new “industrial revolution” that could even dwarf the first one and the computer revolution that came in the late 20th century.
The only organization that can organize such an endeavor is the Federal Government – HOWEVER, and this is important – they cannot execute it. It must be a joint effort with private industry, entrepreneurs, venture capital, investment bankers, AND the petroleum industry. Make the tax incentives so compelling that the oil industry would HAVE to foster the development of new technologies. Don’t punish them – incent them. Our system works best (always has, always will) through incentives. Let the government create the environment for free enterprise to do what it does best. Invent things and change the world that we live in. Let’s get started.
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I wonder sometimes whether
I wonder sometimes whether people become desensitized when a topic is thrust in their face over and over again even if it is as important as global warming or the dependance on fossil fuels. It seems so much to absorb at times and it may seem like we as individuals have little chance of making a dint in the problem when there is so much to it.
We all must take it upon ourselves not to overwhellm those who may not have the information we have on specific subjects.
I work in the field of alternative energy and have realized that some of the basic premises of the problem of burning fossil fuels for example, are not understood by many out there.
Would it not be better to speak in simple terms about this problem so those who may not be up on it can grasp the basics instead of having to try to swallow the whole subject.
Perhaps a simple lesson on the carbon cycle or what is the difference between the age of the carbon in fossil fuels compared to the age of a crop taken off the fields last year and the impact of burning that product or fuel has on putting carbon dioxide into the air !
Or using an analogy of 2 buckets. One with oil in it that can't be replenished but every million or so years and a bucket of corn that can be grown and replenish the bucket every year, might do !
It may be simplistic but may enlighten some of those individuals who might have their head in the sand just for protection !